Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has been released on bail following his arrest on Friday (Dec 4)
Mr Anderson was arrested on Friday suspicion of conspiracy to commit bribery and witness intimidation along with four other men.
All five men "have been released on condition bail, pending further inquiries,” according to Merseyside Police.
In a statement released after bail was given, Mayor Anderson said:
"I was arrested as part of Operation Aloft on Friday 4th December, and interviewed for 6 hours. I co-operated fully with Merseyside Police and will continue to be co-operative in their continuing enquiries.
"I will be talking to my cabinet colleagues over the weekend to ensure the challenges our city faces with the Covid pandemic continue to receive the focus they deserve. I also support the Labour Party’s decision to apply an administrative suspension while this investigation continues.
"I have been bailed to return in one month’s time. Given the investigation is continuing, and there are bail conditions, I will not be making any further comments."
Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition on Liverpool Council, Cllr Richard Kemp, has advised Mr Anderson to stand down. He said:
"There are two things that are most important.
"Firstly, Mayor Anderson must follow precedent and immediately stand down from all official duties until cleared or convicted. We all have deputies capable of carrying out our work.
"Secondly, we must allow the police to carry out their enquiries.”
